Turnhole Backcountry Campsite offers equestrian camping options in Mammoth Cave National Park, located approximately 70 miles from Carthage, Tennessee. The campsite sits on a ridge that creates a natural peninsula with the Green River flowing on three sides, providing natural boundaries for horses. This backcountry site requires reservation through the park visitor center, with access affected by the operational status of the Green River Ferry.
What to do
Trail riding exploration: Riders can access Turnhole Backcountry Campsite through multiple trail options. The Buffalo Trail offers "a straight hike in, take a left at the intersection and straight on to the campsite," while Sal Hollow Trail provides a more challenging route with "twisty, turny and moderately challenging" terrain. The difference between routes is about 3 miles.
Water activities at lake parks: Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park provides lake access for boating and fishing. The campground has "a nice pool and mini golf too," though as one camper notes, "there isn't really a place to access gorgeous Dale Hollow lake without a boat." The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with multiple primitive camping areas available around its shores.
Wildlife viewing: The backcountry area at Mammoth Cave National Park contains diverse fauna. As one camper explains, it's "DARK at night, lots of animal noises." The ridgetop location at Turnhole Campsite allows for stargazing opportunities, especially "clear nights with a bright moon were magical here" according to one visitor, with winter months offering expanded views when foliage thins.
What campers like
Equestrian amenities: The horse facilities at Turnhole appeal to riders who need secure areas for their animals. The site includes "poles to tie your horses, a fire ring, tent pad and lantern hooks," making it functional for overnight equestrian camping. These features allow riders to properly secure their animals while setting up camp.
Privacy at specialized sites: Campers appreciate the seclusion at Kemper Flats primitive campground on Dale Hollow Lake where "we took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful." This island location offers isolation rarely found at established campgrounds.
Family-friendly layouts: The unique campground design at Dale Hollow State Resort Park features sites arranged in small circles. Campers note that "sites are in sections in small loops. Very good for families. Kids can ride their bikes around the circle. Playgrounds are everywhere." This configuration creates natural community spaces within the camping area.
What you should know
Water access challenges: Despite proximity to water bodies, accessing water can be difficult at some sites. At Turnhole, "water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet. The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush, and the banks are not easy to access." Campers often need to filter water from nearby creeks when available.
Ferry status affects access: Always check ferry operations before traveling to Cedars of Lebanon State Park, as closures significantly impact driving routes. One visitor advises, "call the hotline the day of your drive in to see which route you should take: 270-758-2166." Ferry closures can add substantial driving time to reach certain areas.
Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions vary throughout the year. Some trails like Sal Hollow appear "pretty unused/not kept up" during certain seasons. Camping in winter months provides different experiences, with reduced foliage offering expanded views from ridgetop sites that aren't visible during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Choose loop campgrounds: Look for Dad's Bluegrass Campground when traveling with children. As one camper notes, there's "a beautiful pool, playground and basketball court for kids! The place is also pet friendly." These amenities provide structured activities for younger campers.
Pack extra water supplies: When camping at primitive sites, bring sufficient water for your entire stay. One camper recommends extra hoses, noting they "ended up having to go buy a longer water hose bc the hookup was more than 30 foot away." Water access points can be unexpectedly distant from actual campsites.
Consider swimming options: Not all waterfront campsites have swimming access. At Barren River State Resort Park, "there's a beach that you will want to drive to, too long of a walk and I didn't find any cut through trails from our section of the campground." Check ahead for swimming areas if this activity is important to your family.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning challenges: At horse campgrounds near Carthage, Tennessee, backing into sites can require practice. At Barren River Lake Resort Lodge, "they have small asphalt pads so you will get your backing skills tested." Consider your experience level when choosing sites, as some require more difficult maneuvering.
Hookup distance variations: Water and electrical connections aren't standardized across campgrounds. One RVer notes they "used all of my 25 foot hose to reach my connection" and recommends bringing longer connection equipment. Hookups can be positioned far from the actual parking pad, requiring extra-long hoses and cords.
Weather protection options: Limited shade affects comfort in summer months. At Barren River, "The middle sites have pretty much no shade and we sweltered our middays, chasing the limited shade." Request shaded sites when available, particularly for summer camping in this region where temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees.
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